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A World Of Better Vision
Laser vision correction is now in its second decade of helping patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. As testimony to its life-changing benefits, thousands of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and patients around the world have become so impressed with the results of laser vision correction that over one million procedures are now performed each year in the United States.
Heavy demand for laser vision correction has inspired surgeons and laser manufacturers to make tremendous advancements in both Excimer laser technology and surgical technique. When laser vision correction was first performed in the 1980s, only low to moderately nearsighted patients without astigmatism could be treated. Today, with the advanced technology and variety of procedures performed by Emory Vision surgeons, there are safe and effective treatment options for just about every person who wants to reduce his or her dependence on glasses or contacts.
Effective treatment options are now available for individuals who were not good candidates for LASIK in the past.
Learn more about the services, procedures and technology offered by Emory Vision below.
PROCEDURES
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YOUR CHOICES
The decision to have refractive surgery is an important one that only you can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, rather than hopes or misconceptions. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. Getting information about the health of your eyes and your refractive error is the first step toward visual freedom. At Emory Vision, our specialists have a wealth of experience in vision correction surgery. We can answer your questions and help you decide which approach is best for you.
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LASIK: Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis
LASIK combines the accuracy of the Excimer laser with the quick-healing characteristics of a procedure first performed in 1949 called keratomileusis. First, a thin, protective flap of corneal tissue, attached by a hinge on one side, is folded back so the inner layer of the cornea (stroma) can be treated with the laser. After the cornea is reshaped, the corneal flap is folded back over the treated area where it bonds without the need for stitches. With minimal surface area to heal, LASIK patients recover very quickly, and most experience little, if any, discomfort. Functional vision returns very rapidly, with the majority of patients seeing well enough to drive in a day without glasses or contact lenses. |
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Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK)
If a person’s cornea is too thin, the degree of myopia too high, or the shape of the cornea abnormal, laser treatment of the surface of the cornea (PRK) or phakic intraocular lens implantation may be the best option.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) was the first procedure performed using the Excimer laser. It corrects vision by reshaping the surface of the cornea. First, the epithelium, a thin layer of clear, protective skin that covers the cornea, is completely removed. After the laser reshapes the surface, new epithelium grows back over the treated area, usually in three to seven days. Functional vision typically returns within the first week. Many surgeons feel that PRK achieves outstanding results, but patients who have PRK have more discomfort and and good vision returns much later than it does in those who have LASIK. |
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Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)
LASEK is a relatively new procedure that combines elements of PRK and LASIK, and may offer some advantages. Instead of removing the epithelium as with PRK, a flap of surface epithelium is loosened and moved aside. The surface under the epithelium is treated with the laser and the epithelial flap is returned to its original position, just as it is with LASIK. A protective, soft contact lens is then placed over the cornea to make the eye more comfortable while it heals. |
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Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL)
A phakic intraocular lens (IOL) is a plastic lens that is inserted in front of the natural lens during a surgical procedure. This type of lens is called a phakic IOL because the eye still has its natural lens in place. The IOL is made of the same type of material that has been used to make intraocular lenses for cataract surgery. The phakic IOL is used to correct nearsightedness in patients who are not good candidates for LASIK or surface ablation. People with thin corneas or high myopia (-10 to -20 diopters) may benefit from this procedure. |
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Refractive Surgery and Presbyopia
For those of you experiencing presbyopia, which creates the need for reading glasses or bifocals at about the age of 45, blended vision is an option. Blended vision is produced using refractive surgery to have one eye remain slightly nearsighted while correcting the other for best distance vision. |
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Refractive Lens Exchange (IOL)
In some cases, removal of the natural lens and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is indicated. This procedure, which is the same as the one used to remove cataracts, may be an option for certain patients who have both presbyopia and refractive errors but do not make good candidates for any other refractive surgery procedure. Some IOLs are designed to restore the eye’s ability to focus both distant and near objects. |
For more information, call Emory Vision at 404-778-2SEE (2733).
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TECHNOLOGY
Emory Vision, a part of the world renowned Emory Eye Center, is led by a select group of eye surgeons who are at the forefront in the field of vision correction surgery.
Selecting the right surgeon, one who has the most knowledge about eye health and the latest technology, is a very important decision. It is critical that you find the center that has the physician with the surgical experience that will result in the finest vision for you.
Emory Vision is the only laser eye surgery center performing LASIK that is a part of Emory Healthcare.
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